A man armed with an axe was shot and killed by a San Diego police officer after allegedly approaching the officer following a vandalism report, police said Thursday.
San Diego Police Department officers were dispatched at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday regarding an adult male using an axe to vandalize a trolley car to the Morena/Linda Vista Trolley platform, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers, along with the San Diego Air Support Unit, arrived within minutes and began searching the area for the suspect.
At about 3:35 p.m., an officer located a man matching the description in the 4700 block of Friars Road. Authorities stated that the man approached the officer while armed with an axe, leading to a shooting in which one officer fired multiple rounds, striking the suspect.
Officers immediately requested paramedics and began rendering aid. The San Diego Fire Department arrived and continued medical efforts. Despite these attempts, the man was pronounced dead at approximately 4:10 p.m.
No officers were injured during the incident, the SDSO said.
The Sheriff’s office will conduct the investigation under the terms of a countywide agreement between local law enforcement agencies to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest. The case will be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer is criminally liable for the shooting.
The SDPD will also conduct an administrative review of the officer’s discharge of the firearm.
Anyone with information was urged to contact the sheriff’s homicide Unit at 858-285-6330. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
